Table Mountain crime: Top athletes fear competing in RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town

Lester Kiewit speaks to Stuart McConnachie, Director of the RMB Ultra Trail Cape Town.

McConnachie says he has serious concerns over the escalating crime on Table Mountain, pointing to last year’s shocking mugging of three international athletes. 

The incident is causing top competitors to reconsider entering this year’s race.

The annual RMB Ultra Trail Cape Town event typically covers 180 kilometres. Last year, the organisation used 150 volunteers and community members to bulk up its presence along the trails.

"There are elite and international runners looking to come to Cape Town for this race but there are natural safety concerns," adds McConnachie.

He is asking Table Mountain officials and authorities for 'consistent and sustainable safety measures' to be in place throughout the year, across Table Mountain.

"There is a pressing need for more to be done," emphasises McConnachie.

"It is a concern and what we don't want to see is the same scenario as last year. If we do, then it will be case of pack up and stop because then it just shows that this wasn't something that just happened as an isolated and unfortunate incident but there's a constant thing that's going on and no-one seems to be doing anything about it."

- Stuart McConnachie, Director- RMB Ultra Trail Cape Town

"We have seen increased patrols and security cameras in certain areas but there is still a pressing need for more to be done. I think we need to see sustained effort and we're looking for action and a plan from authorities to help us plan for future initiatives and to reassure the public and our visitors."

- Stuart McConnachie, Director- RMB Ultra Trail Cape Town

"What we want to see is a consistent plan being activated so when November rolls around we don't see an occurrence where over a three-month period there are upwards of 50 muggings across an area of the mountain... that just raises the fear in everyone in a place where we should ultimately be going to get away from these things."

- Stuart McConnachie, Director- RMB Ultra Trail Cape Town

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.